Bill seeks to cut red tape in Mass. licensing

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is proposing changes in professional licensure as part of what he says is an ongoing effort by his administration to cut red tape in Massachusetts.

Legislation filed by the governor on Monday would consolidate the licensing of nearly 84,000 barbers, cosmetologists and electrologists in Massachusetts under a single registration board. The change is aimed at making it easier for professionals in these fields to obtain and renew their licenses.

The bill would also eliminate the Board of Registration of Radio and Television Technicians. Officials say that board has outlived its usefulness now that most consumers simply buy new radios or TVs rather than repair broken ones.

The measure also caps re-entry fees for some professions, making it cheaper for someone who has left a field to return to it years later.